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Flip to reveal answersDistinguish shruti from smriti.
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All 10 Flashcards — Sacred texts
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Question
Distinguish shruti from smriti.
Answer
Shruti is "heard" — revealed, the Vedas and Upanishads, the highest authority. Smriti is "remembered" — composed by named sages: the Mahabharata with the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, the Laws of Manu.
Question
Why were the Vedas compiled, according to the guide?
Answer
For ritual purposes — hymns, formulae and instructions for sacrifice.
Question
How does the guide describe the Upanishads?
Answer
As written by the sages, as a kind of wisdom literature. They turn from ritual towards atman, Brahman and liberation.
Question
Where does the Bhagavad Gita sit?
Answer
Within the Mahabharata, and therefore among the smriti texts. It teaches the three yogas as means to moksha.
Question
Name the six darshanas.
Answer
Nyaya and Vaishesika, Samkya and Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
Question
What is a sampradaya?
Answer
One of nine sects founded by gurus, each with its own interpretation, practice and line of teachers.
Question
What passages does the guide name for Hindu sacred texts?
Answer
Rig Veda X 108 and selections from the Atharva Veda; the Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya and Svetasvatara Upanishads; the Bhagavad Gita; and the Laws of Manu.
Question
Does translation affect the authority of a Hindu text?
Answer
It splits. Shruti is Sanskrit and its exact sound is preserved in recitation; many smriti texts were written in local languages and travel without loss of standing.
Question
Why does smriti reach further than shruti?
Answer
Because it is recited, performed, televised and retold. Most Hindus know the Ramayana intimately and the Rig Veda not at all.
Question
What does Vedanta mean, and what does it take as its ground?
Answer
"The end of the Vedas" — it takes the Upanishads as its ground.
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